Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-08-11

IELTS Writing Task 1 question

The chart below gives information about how families in one country spent their weekly income in 1968 and in 2018.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

1968 and 2018: average weekly spending by families

Student answer (Band 6.5)

The bar graph illustrates the percentage distribution of weekly family income in a particular country in year 1968 and again fifty years later, in 2018.

In 1968, the largest proportion on money was spent on food, approximately 35%. The second largest expenditure was on housing, clothing and footwear, each at around 10%.. In addition, about 8% of income was allocated for leisure, transport, household and personal goods, while the smallest share went to fuel and power.

By contrast, in 2018 the spending pattern had shifted considerably. The greatest proportion of income was devoted to leisure, roughly 22%, while housing remains the second largest category at 19%. However the spent on food had decline sharply to just 17.5%, roughly half of its 1968 level. Expenditure on clothing and footwear also fell to 5%, whereas transport rose significantly to 14%. Household goods accounted around 7%, and the least spending was observed in fuel, power, and personal goods, both at 3%.

Overall, between 1968 and 2018 there was a clear increase in the proportion of income spent on housing, transport and leisure, while spending on food, fuel, power and personal goods decline.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response effectively addresses the task by identifying and reporting the main features of the data. You have successfully highlighted the significant shift in spending patterns, such as the decline in food expenditure and the rise in leisure and transport costs. The comparison between 1968 and 2018 is clear and supported by relevant data points. To reach a higher band, ensure that all categories mentioned in the chart are accurately represented; for instance, you omitted some specific figures or grouped them in a way that slightly obscures the individual trends. Overall, the summary is accurate and covers the requirements well.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a summary. The use of cohesive devices such as 'In addition', 'By contrast', and 'Overall' helps guide the reader through the comparison. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the two time periods. However, the flow could be improved by using more varied linking phrases to connect the data points within paragraphs, as some sentences feel slightly list-like. The progression of ideas is clear, and the referencing is generally effective throughout the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to convey the information clearly. Phrases like 'percentage distribution', 'spending pattern had shifted considerably', and 'allocated for' are used appropriately. There are some minor errors in word choice and form, such as 'the spent on food had decline' (should be 'spending' and 'declined') and 'accounted around' (missing 'for'). While you use some less common vocabulary, further precision in collocations would enhance the sophistication of your writing. The vocabulary is adequate for the task and does not impede communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is always clear, there are several grammatical slips, particularly with verb tenses and word forms, such as 'had decline' instead of 'had declined' and 'the spent' instead of 'spending'. Punctuation is generally sound, though there is a double period at the end of the second paragraph. The majority of sentences are error-free, but the recurring minor errors in verb agreement and word class prevent a higher score. Increasing the variety of complex structures would also be beneficial.

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